Brandon Miller Backs LaMelo Ball as Hornets Find Momentum

The Charlotte Hornets delivered one of their most complete performances of the season Monday afternoon, overwhelming the Philadelphia 76ers and showing flashes of what their future could look like at full strength. The win was highlighted not only by the final score, but by the chemistry between the team’s two cornerstone players.

LaMelo Ball, now in his sixth NBA season, and Brandon Miller, midway through his third, continue to grow into a productive and complementary pairing. When both are healthy, Charlotte has looked more competitive, and their partnership has become central to the team’s identity.

Against Philadelphia, Ball’s impact went beyond the box score. In just 20 minutes, he orchestrated the offense with poise, setting the tone for a balanced scoring attack and keeping the game firmly under Charlotte’s control.

After the game, Miller made his confidence in Ball unmistakably clear. He described his teammate as the leader of the group and suggested that a healthy Ball could elevate the Hornets into a dangerous opponent for anyone in the league.

1. Ball’s Influence in Limited Minutes

Ball finished the game with 11 points, eight assists, two rebounds and a steal, numbers that only partly captured his effect on the flow of the contest. He shot 4-of-12 from the field, including 2-of-6 from beyond the arc, but consistently found teammates in rhythm. His eight assists came in a variety of situations, from early transition opportunities to half-court sets that freed shooters on the perimeter. Even in limited action, Ball’s court vision and pace-setting stood out. Charlotte’s offense moved crisply when Ball was on the floor, reflecting his role as the team’s primary playmaker. The ball rarely stuck, and the Hornets generated clean looks throughout the afternoon. Miller pointed to that leadership afterward, saying Ball’s presence changes the ceiling of the entire group. “When he’s healthy, it could be a dangerous season for any team that steps on the floor with us,” Miller said. “Him being our leader — the head of the snake — it goes a long way for us and the young core.”

2. Miller’s Breakout Performance

While Ball set the table, Miller delivered the finishing touches. The third-year wing led all scorers with 30 points, pairing his offensive efficiency with activity on both ends of the floor. Miller shot 9-of-11 overall, including a blistering 6-of-8 from three-point range, and went a perfect 6-of-6 at the free-throw line. He also added eight rebounds, two assists and two steals, contributing in multiple facets of the game. His scoring came in waves, from catch-and-shoot threes to strong drives that punished closeouts. Philadelphia had few answers for his shot-making, and his confidence was evident from the opening minutes. The Hornets’ depth also showed. Eight players scored in double figures, a reflection of the ball movement and balance that Ball and Miller helped establish. It was one of Charlotte’s most cohesive offensive performances of the season.

3. Momentum and the Road Ahead

The win pushed Charlotte’s record to 19–28, good for 12th place in the Eastern Conference. While still outside the playoff picture, the Hornets have shown signs of progress as their young core gains experience together. They now sit 5.5 games ahead of the Brooklyn Nets and eight games clear of the Indiana Pacers, while trailing the Milwaukee Bucks by just 0.5 games and the Atlanta Hawks by 3.5 games. The standings remain fluid, and Charlotte’s recent surge has tightened the race. Monday’s victory marked the Hornets’ third consecutive win, their longest streak in weeks. It has given the team renewed confidence and a sense of direction as they continue to navigate an uneven season. Charlotte will try to build on that momentum when it travels to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Jan. 28 at 8 p.m. ET. With Ball healthy and Miller emerging as a consistent scorer, the Hornets are beginning to resemble the competitive group they envisioned.